Auto Blog

Where does the time go? It seems only yesterday that our team for the Vancouver International Auto Show began the process of starting to draw up plans for the 2020 event – and now we find ourselves only ten weeks away from this very special 100th anniversary edition.

Between March 25 and 29, the Vancouver Convention Centre West will play host to the centennial event – which we will be marking in grand style.

A special procession of vehicles, representing each decade of the Show’s existence, will kick off the Show. And who better to serve as Honourary 100th Auto Show Chairman and Grand Marshall than industry icon Jimmy Pattison, who will lead the procession through the streets of Vancouver before making its way to the event venue, where the vehicles will remain on display.

The centennial event will also include a series of themed displays. The special showcases will provide a walk down memory lane, while promising to create new memories for attendees.

And of course, the auto show team are working to ensure there are additional surprises that will catch the eyes of auto lovers.

The automobile has always been a defining part of culture and societal trends, and a special car or truck can elicit a strong emotional response. For some, it’s the nostalgia associated with autos from the rockabilly 50’s or the muscle cars of the 70’s.

But it’s not all about yesterday.

Many of the world’s top auto manufacturers will be displaying their latest vehicles, concepts and exotic brands from around the Globe. So, whether you or your family want to see some of the finest supercars, exotics, sedans, pick-up trucks, or if advanced technology electric vehicles is more your wheelhouse, there will truly be something for everyone at the 2020 show.

An increasingly popular feature at the Auto Show is the expanded electric vehicle ride and drive event, presented by CleanBC – Go Electric, will be joined by a variety of alternative powered vehicles represented on the show floor in the new “An Electric Future Forward display – from electric, hybrid, hydrogen-fuel cell, to gas, diesel and propane powered vehicles.

The Vancouver Auto show is renowned for creating an atmosphere in which those feelings can be fully experienced. By attracting over 115,000 attendees each year, the show is also the ideal platform to connect participants and sponsoring organizations in many sectors to a proven audience of purchasing consumers, all interested in new vehicles.

The 2020 Vancouver International Auto Show returns to the Vancouver Convention Centre West from March 25-29. For more information on the Show and to purchase tickets, please visit: www.VancouverInternationalAutoShow.com.

For the latest information on car careers in BC’s automotive industry, visit: https://carsandjobs.com/.

Blair Qualey is President and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of BC. You can email him at [email protected].

As we approach the end of 2019, and begin a new decade, it’s a time of year when many families will take to the highway to visit friends and family to ring in the holiday season. In anticipation of the wonderful, and perhaps challenging aspects of a winter road trip, take time to plan ahead to make the journey more enjoyable for you and your loved ones.

As you begin to chart your holiday travel plan, the most important order of business is to ensure your vehicle is in good running condition. The last thing you want is to have mechanical problems in the middle of winter – so visit your new car dealer and ensure your vehicle is road-trip ready. Your new or used vehicle may also be under warranty with your dealer, so there is no excuse to not go in for a tune-up.

If your travel is going to take you to higher elevations or parts of the province with traditional snowfall, ensure you have winter tires. Winter tire and snow chain rules are effect on most of BC’s highways from October 1 to March 31, and not having the proper tires could cost you. Check the province’s online maps (winter tire & chain-up routes on www.drivebc.ca) to find out which highways enforce this rule, and be aware of roadside signs that indicate sections of the highway that require winter tires.

It is important to be cognizant of changing driving conditions that may occur prior to, or during, your road-trip. A great resource to plan your route and check winter road conditions is drivebc.ca, where you can see the latest weather map. They also have an abundance of winter driving tips, so you can ensure you are fully prepared for the potential conditions.

To further put your mind at ease, travel with an emergency roadside safety kit. If you break down on a remote road, the only help you may have is what’s inside your trunk. With a simple roadside survival kit, you can be ready to help both yourself and others you may find in need. Visit bcaa.com for tips on what to include in your kit.

Long winter drives can already be a challenge, but with bored kids asking “are we there yet?” – the tension can increase. Make sure your car is stocked with snacks and activities to keep your children occupied on long drives. With all the new technological advancements that have been made, this is becoming easier in newer car models.

It should go without saying, but if you are the one driving, leave all your electronic devices alone. According to ICBC, 77 people die every year in distracted driving crashes and distracted driving is responsible for more than 25% of car crash fatalities in BC. It is important to resist the temptation of checking your phone – especially if driving in conditions that may be less than ideal.

And a final caution – don’t drive under the influence under any circumstances. A mistake of this kind has the potential to drastically impact lives – as you put everyone at risk.

To all readers, safe driving and have a very happy Christmas holiday season!

For the latest information on car careers in BC’s automotive industry, visit: https://carsandjobs.com/.

The 2020 Vancouver International Auto Show returns to the Vancouver Convention Centre West from March 25-29, celebrating its 100th anniversary. For more information on the Show and to purchase tickets, please visit: www.VancouverInternationalAutoShow.com.

Blair Qualey is President and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of BC. You can email him at [email protected].

As we approach the end of 2019, it’s a good time to look back and celebrate the successes we’ve seen in the sales of EV’s and clean vehicles. They are becoming an ever-popular mode of transportation for British Columbians, as consumers look to lessen their carbon footprint with more sustainable vehicle options.

When it comes to EV’s the sale numbers are impressive. The government issued a news release, celebrating the fact that there are now 30,000 EV’s on the road in BC. This huge milestone came just a few days after a study by Electric Mobility Canada, confirming that 10 percent of all passenger vehicles sold in the province are clean energy vehicles.

BC’s New Car Dealers have done extensive work with the government to encourage consumers to move toward green vehicles. It is part of the reason why British Columbia is known around the world for being an environmentally progressive province. In partnership with the Province, New Car Dealers established the CEVforBC™ program which makes clean energy vehicles more affordable.

Through CEVforBC™, the NCDA has also created competition between dealerships across the province to determine who can reach the highest level of sales of clean energy vehicles, across all brands. Recipients of the prestigious CEVforBC™ Green Star Dealer Awards® will be honoured at the annual 2020 Vancouver International Auto Show (March 25-29). The Auto Show will also show case the latest EV technology, and visitors will be provided the opportunity to test drive a variety of clean energy vehicles and learn more about this growing consumer option.

Further solidifying the importance of EV’s to British Columbians, is the introduction of the EV Maintenance Training program at BCIT. The program is intended to ensure that the automotive workforce is equipped with the necessary skills to support more EV’s on the road.

In a resource-based province as diverse as British Columbia, EVs are not an option for every family – but new gas vehicles with better fuel efficiency are. Issues such as affordability, range anxiety, and the fact that electric vehicles do not yet come in pick-up truck models which individuals may be dependent on continue to limit a broader EV adoption, particularly in rural and remote areas.

For those whom an EV is not an option, it’s important to recognize that newer model gasoline powered vehicles can also play an important role in reductions. Manufacturers continue to unveil new internal combustion models that are much more fuel efficient – and this will continue in years to come as we see more technological advancements.

There are several options to choose from when looking at cleaner gas driven vehicles. Whether you need a pick-up truck, SUV, or something smaller, there are many choices available to you from dealers across the province. 2019 really was an incredible year for the introduction of new models that are more environmentally friendly.

British Columbia remains at the forefront of environmental awareness and consciousness and this is especially apparent in the vehicles consumers in this province choose to purchase.

I look forward to the year ahead and continuing to work with the Province on programs and policy decisions that will continue to encourage consumers to make more environmentally conscious choices.

For the latest information on car careers in BC’s automotive industry, visit: https://carsandjobs.com/.

The 2020 Vancouver International Auto Show returns to the Vancouver Convention Centre West from March 25-29, celebrating its 100th anniversary. For more information on the Show and to purchase tickets, please visit: www.VancouverInternationalAutoShow.com.

Blair Qualey is President and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of BC. You can email him at [email protected].

As we truly enter winter and the month of December, it is important to be cognizant of changing driving conditions, and driving in the snow. Weather forecasters predict a harsh winter season in B.C., so now’s the time to start thinking and planning ahead for the snowy season that may soon be upon us.

A recent ICBC survey noted that automobile crashes increased 10 per cent last winter compared to year previous, but even more concerning is the statistic highlighting that less than half of drivers surveyed had vehicles equipped with winter tires.

A quick reminder for British Columbians – winter tire and chain rules are in effect on most of B.C.’s highways run from October 1 to March 31. Given the unpredictability of the weather, it’s a good idea for Lower Mainland drivers to purchase some good snow tires too.

The ICBC survey also revealed that Lower Mainland drivers, in particular, are significantly more nervous about driving in both snowy and icy conditions. That’s not surprising, given that almost half of those surveyed (47 per cent) witnessed a crash during the winter last year.

Driving in snowy or icy conditions requires more than just equipping your vehicle with snow tires, although snow tires are the most important aspect of driving in those conditions.

Driving in the snow is a simple science – it’s all about friction and traction. Snow tires have a deeper tread to cut through the slush and snow, and snow tires are constructed from softer rubber to help with traction. Lower temperatures in general affects the rubber in summer and all-season tires in a way that lowers traction. The rubber used for snow tires, on the other hand, stay soft and flexible in freezing temperatures in order to grip what’s underneath them. All season tires have reduced traction and stopping power below seven degrees Celsius, and do not offer reliable braking or cornering on ice or cold weather conditions. Compared to M+S designated tires, winter tires offer superior braking and cornering performance on wet and rough ice, soft and hard-packed snow, along with slush. It’s worth the investment for winter tires!

Any combination of snowy, slushy or slick roads and reduced visibility means that drivers need to do more prep work and adjust their driving. Winter driving requires a lot more concentration and care as well. Use slow motions, refrain from braking quickly, and use a very soft foot on the accelerator pedal. Simply driving at a slower speed and exercising caution is one of the smartest things you can do. If you’re driving a new car with electronic traction and stability control, keep them turned on in the winter.
Store snow shovels and kitty litter in your trunk in case you need to dig yourself (or your neighbour) out. Flares, flashlights, and a snow scraper are also useful items to have on-hand. Check your antifreeze levels and consider investing in heavy-duty snow wipers to help with visibility.

Drivers who don’t slow down or adjust for conditions are always a top concern for others sharing the road. Both stopping and turning are actions that take a lot longer, so keep a longer follow distance and remember to slow down. Take time to plan your trip ahead – DriveBC is a great resource for the latest road conditions and weather forecasts.

Also remember to check your battery – there is nothing worse than trying to start your car’s engine and hearing your engine struggle to start.

In future years, emerging technologies may prove to be a big safety advantage. Last August, a new high-friction road surface treatment was applied to 14 intersections in Metro Vancouver and Vancouver Island to give drivers better control and help keep them from skidding in crash-prone locations. The specialized aggregate and resin treatment coarsens the road surface to boost skid-resistance, decrease braking distances in order to reduce rear-end collisions in intersections – in wet or slippery conditions.

For the latest information on car careers in BC’s automotive industry, visit: https://carsandjobs.com/.

The New Car Dealers has provided more than $500,000 in grants and scholarships to help fund the learning and growth of automotive students since 2005.

Blair Qualey is President and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of BC. You can email him at [email protected].

The holiday season is now upon us and that means family get-togethers, office parties, and nights out with friends are in full swing for many of us. For some, this may involve celebrations that involve drinking and cannabis – and the priority that should now be placed on planning ahead and ensuring a safe ride home, so that you don’t get behind the wheel.

According to ICBC, 68 people die each year in crashes involving impaired driving – many of those during the winter season. It is important to note that the word ‘impaired’ does not just apply to the use of alcohol. In fact, according to the Government of Canada, the percentage of Canadian drivers killed in vehicle crashes who tested positive for drugs (40%) now outweighs those that are under the influence of alcohol (33%).

Another thing to consider is that BC has the toughest laws in the country when it comes to impaired driving – so, you not only put you and other drivers and pedestrians at risk, but could potentially ruin your own life. Some of the penalties for impaired driving include:

• Driving suspensions from 24 hours to 90 days
• Vehicle impoundment
• Fines, from $600 and up to $4,060
• Jail time
• Mandatory rehabilitation
• Installation of ignition interlock in your vehicle

You may also have to pay a Driver Risk Premium, on top of your insurance. If you crash while driving impaired, you’re likely in breach of your insurance policy. That means you could be personally responsible for 100 per cent of the costs if you damage someone else’s property or injure them.

BC has many options for you to choose to ensure you get home safe – particularly during the busy holiday season. There are designated driver services available such as Operation Red Nose, BCAA’s Safe-Ride-Home Service, and Sober Drivers. There are also options such as Kater, taxis, and public transit. You can also consider having a designated driver, so you have a guaranteed safe ride home.

If you’re still not convinced that common sense should apply, December is a time where CounterAttack is in full swing. CounterAttack is a police-run roadblock tactic that catches drug and alcohol impaired drivers.

And a final caution to all drivers. Don’t allow yourself to be distracted. Put down your cellphone or any other device that may take your attention away from the road. When you are behind the wheel, focus on the road. There is no excuse to pick up your phone or to drive under the influence. Allow everyone to enjoy the holiday season – because the alternative is simply not worth it.

For the latest information on car careers in BC’s automotive industry, visit: https://carsandjobs.com/.

NCDA of BC has provided more than $500,000 in grants and scholarships to help fund the learning and growth of automotive students since 2005. For the month of October, there were 15,930 new vehicle sales in BC.

Blair Qualey is President and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of BC. You can email him at [email protected]

With the Christmas holiday season fast approaching, you may be pondering what to get that special auto enthusiast. The good news is, there are many gift options available to suit any budget and personality.

Let’s start with items for those who have specific interests. If that special someone is a music lover, perhaps a new sound system is the way to go? Those who are more active might appreciate a bike or ski rack for the car, or even a carrier top for other recreational gear. There are several interesting gift ideas that could help dress up a vehicle, ranging from custom fitted seat covers to custom floor mats. Likewise, drivers who like vehicle or sports paraphernalia might enjoy a license plate frame, a dashboard ornament, or a key chain featuring one of their favorite retail or sports team. Or even a die cast toy car to match their ride.

On the practical side, you can’t go wrong with a car care kit, which can typically be found at your local hardware store – or you can put together a gift basket yourself. Packages can contain car wash fluid, glass cleaner, wax, polish, sealant, detailer spray, interior cleaner, tire shine and everything in between.
For car lovers who like to baby their vehicles, many dealerships offer auto “spa packages” for interior and exterior detailing services. All car lovers look forward to cruising in a shiny car in the Spring months, so check the websites of your local dealerships for special promotions or gift cards.
Gift cards can pay for a maintenance or detailing appointment at the person’s favourite new car dealer or some sessions at the neighbourhood car wash. They’re also a smart gift for those who are tricky to please, as the person can pick out their own vehicle accessories or add-ons at their favourite auto parts store or website.
Another practical option is a dash cam which can provide peace of mind if you’re in an accident. For people who travel long distances, an emergency kit is always a good option. These include everything from jumper cables and a flashlight, to flares, candles, matches and blanket – should a driver be unlucky enough to get stranded in their vehicle. You hope they will never need to use them, but these items could come in handy someday.
Finally, the perfect topper for your car-themed gift basket or stocking stuffer may be tickets to the 2020 Vancouver International Auto Show, March 25-29 at the Vancouver Convention Centre (West). The 100th anniversary event will be marked by many special features in honour of the event’s storied history. For those residing outside of the Lower Mainland, each year the Vancouver International Auto Show partners with hotels around the Convention Centre to make it easier for you to attend the Show and visit Vancouver’s beautiful downtown area. Early Bird tickets are on sale now at VancouverInternationalAutoShow.com
One final note. As we head into the holiday season, please remember to drive responsibly – so if you’re cerebrating with friends and family, please don’t drive under the influence.

For the latest information on car careers in BC’s automotive industry, visit: https://carsandjobs.com/

For the month of September, there were 17,262 new vehicle sales in BC.
NCDA of BC has provide more than $500,000 in grants and scholarships to help fund the learning and growth of automotive students since 2005.

Blair Qualey is President and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of BC. You can email him at [email protected]

As we begin to enter the holiday season, many automobile owners will increasingly find themselves frequenting parking lots as they canvas local retailers for that perfect gift for a loved one.

However, this is also a time of year when the potential thief has eyes on motorists who leave parcels and packages in plain sight, turning themselves into easy targets.

A campaign launched last year by the Integrated Municipal Provincial Auto Crime Team (IMPACT), the Province of British Columbia, and ICBC, encourages drivers to protect themselves with the slogan, “Check Your Doors Before They Do”. This campaign is just as true today and a good reminder for the holiday season.

According to ICBC, there was a 4.2 percent increase in auto theft across British Columbia with 58,000 vehicles being broken into in 2018.

Theft of items is a mostly preventable crime and there are some of the steps you can take to stop thieves from breaking into your car. Though some may be obvious, it is worth keeping in mind. Here are some of ICBC’s top tips to prevent auto break-ins:

• Keep valuables, gifts and parcels out of sight in the trunk and don’t leave them in the vehicle for long periods of time. Even items such as loose change and pop cans can tempt thieves.
• While shopping, try not to unload gifts in your vehicle and then leave it unattended in the same parking spot.
• Park in well-lit areas and use parking lots frequented by others.
• Always lock your doors and close your windows, even if you’re away from your vehicle for just a minute. Remove any garage door openers from your vehicle.
• Keep your keys secure at all times. Don’t leave your keys unguarded — even at a restaurant or the gym. Treat your keys like cash.

While criminals often target vehicles for smartphones, personal electronics, sunglasses, and cash, they are especially targeting vehicles that leave any holiday items in sight. They also may be looking for items such as garage door openers and any personal items/documents that may make you a target for theft further down the road.

The best way to combat these threats is to always make sure to remove any valuables or personal items in your vehicles and never leave anything in plain sight that may make your vehicle an easy target. In situations where you may be forced to park your vehicle in a less than ideal location, take the garage remote with you and make a copy of your vehicle registration and black out your home address in the copy you keep in your glove compartment. Keep the original with your address in a safe place at home. Google Maps has also added a handy ‘remember my parking location’ feature.

ICBC recommends the 9 pm routine, which encourages vehicle owners to check on their vehicle each night at 9 pm to ensure it is safe and secure and all measures have been made to avoid being an auto crime victim.

To prevent heartbreak this holiday season – and in the future – it’s important to be diligent and remember these easy steps, so you aren’t an easy target.

For the latest information on car careers in BC’s automotive industry, visit: https://carsandjobs.com/

For the month of September, there were 17,262 new vehicle sales in BC.
NCDA of BC has provided more than $500,000 in grants and scholarships to help fund the learning and growth of automotive students since 2005.

Blair Qualey is President and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of BC. You can email him at [email protected]

British Columbians experience diverse climates over the winter months. Though for many this season, the Farmer’s Almanac has predicted a colder yet sunny and drier forecast. Regardless of this prediction, and your environment, car owners can’t forget to take proper care for their precious vehicles. It’s important to take the time and attention that goes into ensuring safe storage, to avoid disappointment in the spring.

There are several rules when it comes to storing your car so as to spare your vehicle the adverse affects of winter. Rule number one is to disconnect the battery and seal the gas tank to avoid potentially catastrophic events. Discard any rags that have been in contact with flammable or combustible liquids or, alternatively, you could store them safely in a metal can with a tight-fitting lid. Try to keep your storage area clean and as clutter-free as possible – clutter can help fires spread and hamper firefighting efforts. These are completely avoidable disasters if the correct precautions are taken.

Rule number two: do a quick visual inspection before retiring any vehicle for next year’s cruising season. Check for fuel line leaks – old fuel and transmission fluid lines can deteriorate with time. Also do a sweep for any frayed wiring that could come with aging electrical systems.

Thirdly, before storage, clean your car inside and out and remember to polish – don’t put a car cover over a dirty car. Make sure to also apply a quick coat of wax, so it’s ready to go when you need it again. After months of trekking in outside dirt, now is the time to give the carpets a deep clean. But if you plan on using a steam-cleaner, do this far in advance to avoid any moisture buildup while in storage. Silica gel packs placed inside the car during storage can also absorb excess moisture that can accumulate during the wet season. Though there is no way to avoid mice and other small critters, it is important to take precautions, and you may want to consider mousetraps around your car, along with sound repellant devices.

The next step is to tend to your vehicle’s fluids. Gasoline can form deposits if it’s stored for long periods of time, so adding a fuel stabilizer to your nearly full gas tank is very important. Schedule an oil change as well to get rid of any corrosive materials.
It’s important to remember to top off on coolant, especially if you live in an area that gets a lot of snow or experiences extremely low temperatures in the winter.

For older vehicles without engine computers, remove the battery and store it. Newer models with computers can experience performance problems if the battery is disconnected for too long, so hook the battery up to a smart charger when in storage instead.

Whether you’re putting a valuable vintage car to bed or storing away a specialty vehicle you don’t want to drive during the winter months, it’s important to protect your car from the potentially nasty winter road conditions. And if you’re not storing your vehicle during the winter, ensure it’s regularly cleaned and rinsed off with fresh water to remove any salt and road dirt buildup.

The last rule is insurance. Though your car will not need to be insured for the road, you never know what can happen in storage. Make sure you have the proper storage insurance to protect you against any unexpected occurrences.

For the latest information on car careers in BC’s automotive industry, visit: https://carsandjobs.com/

Blair Qualey is President and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of BC. You can email him at [email protected].

It’s no secret that auto manufacturers are investing more than ever before in new and developing technologies to produce greener vehicles along with an increasing number of safety features.

But to what extent does the driving public have confidence in these developing technologies?

A new study by J.D. Power, in partnership with Survey Monkey, would suggest it’s going to take time for drivers to establish a comfort level. The 2019 Q3 Mobility Confidence Index Study, revealed a Mobility Confidence Index is 36 (on a 100-point scale) for self-driving vehicles and 55 for battery-electric vehicles. The index is categorized into three categories: low (0-40), neutral (41-60) and positive (61-100). More than 5,000 individuals were surveyed in each category to yield these results.

The survey aims to gain more understanding on the public’s opinion on EV and self-driving cars. The results of the most recent study were the same as they were three months ago – and similar studies will be conducted on a quarterly basis.

With respect to self-driving vehicles, consumers have a low level of confidence and comfort, particularly when it comes to riding in a self-driving vehicle and self-driving public transit. Overall, men are more comfortable with self-driving technology than women, with more than two-thirds of consumers saying they have little to no knowledge about the technology. J.D. Power suggests findings can be used to a vehicle manufacturer company’s advantage, by identifying areas where consumers need to be better educated, and course-corrected on the path to eventual production.

That being said, there are significant challenges facing auto-manufacturers. Perfecting the technology of self-driving cars is proving much more challenging than once originally thought and there are two disadvantages to consumers that are unable to be solved – job displacement and computer error. There is the potential for a massive loss of jobs and often we see tech failures and errors with both electrical and computer technologies. That being said, technology in the automotive industry is improving all the time and we will continue to make rapid advancements.

When it comes to battery-electric vehicles, the response is more neutral. The top challenges remain the cost and reliability associated with purchasing and owning an EV. However, 77% of respondents say that tax credits or subsidies for using battery-electric vehicles would influence purchase decisions. In terms of the environmental impacts, nearly 65% say battery-electric vehicles are better and half of the respondents believe the cost of charging versus gas would be advantageous. Not surprisingly, more than half of respondents registered concerns about the availability of charging stations and driving range. Good news for drivers in B.C.! There are now more than 1,000 charging stations across the province and BC Hydro currently operates 60 fast chargers along B.C.’s major highways.

Just as the development of new technologies is a work in progress, so too is gaining the trust and confidence of consumers. Though J.D. Powers does not release the full study, you can check out their results at jdpower.com.

For the latest information on car careers in BC’s automotive industry, visit here.

Blair Qualey is President and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of BC. You can email him at [email protected]

 

In many parts of British Columbia, the change in season will soon be upon on us, and depending on where you live, that may involve heavy rain, or snow and ice – and months of winter driving conditions. As a result, now is the best time to get your vehicle ship shape for the long winter months to come, by getting it inspected and having any preventative maintenance performed.

It’s easy to procrastinate until the first snowfall, but don’t keep putting it off. The cold weather can make existing problems worse and cost you more money down the road. So whether you are savvy enough to do the car maintenance yourself on an older vehicle or book an appointment at a new car dealership, there are several areas you should pay attention to:

Battery: Dropping temperatures and increased accessory use (defrosters, heat, windshield wipers) can put a strain on your battery. Check for any mineral or other deposit build-up around the terminals, which can be cleaned away with a brush.

Heat System: Test your heat system, your front and rear window defrost because these  don’t get a lot of use during the summer months.

Check the Oil: A general rule of thumb is that your oil should be changed every 3,000 miles – but your auto service provider can tell you which works best for your vehicle’s make, model and mileage.

Fluids and Belts: Check your antifreeze/coolant, wiper fluid, power steering fluid and transmission fluid. Also have an auto technician check all belts and the engine’s timing.

Tires: if you are driving at higher elevations, make sure your vehicle is equipped with winter tires – and have your tires checked for wear patterns as well as tread. Worn tires are unsafe to drive on, especially during the winter months.

Filters.  A dirty air filter can decrease fuel economy and performance. Replacing a cabin air filter, while not directly impacting your vehicle’s performance, can help create a more comfortable environment for your passengers.

Lights and Visuals: Makes sure all your lights are working, including turn signals front and back, headlamps and taillights, brake and back up lights and high beams.

Wipers: Fall is an excellent time to change your wipers to ensure you are able clear heavy rain, show or slush from your windshield

Undercoating is an important consideration to protect critical components from rust and corrosion. This is especially important for electric vehicles, to protect electrical wiring and battery pack, among other components. There are also other important reminders, including the repair of any small crack or chip in your windshield before it gets any worse. Keep a set of gloves, a snow bush and ice scraper in your call at all times.  And, review your emergency roadside kit to ensure its well-stocked with necessities should you ever run into problems while on the road.

By preparing your car for the winter months, you can be confident that your vehicle is ready for the icy and slippery driving conditions and cold temperatures that are typically associated with the season.

Just one final note: trick or treaters will be out in force next week so please use extreme caution when driving – and make Halloween an enjoyable, safe night for all.

For the latest information on car careers in BC’s automotive industry, visit: https://carsandjobs.com/

Blair Qualey is President and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of BC. You can email him at [email protected]